Family Weekend 2018

Family members experience campus life for a weekend on the College Place and Portland campuses

A snapshot of the talent showcased at the WWU faculty and staff talent show held Saturday night during Family Weekend on the College Place campus.

The annual Walla Walla University Family Weekend took place Oct. 26 to 28 on the College Place campus and was followed by a special Parent Sabbath on the School of Nursing Portland Campus on Nov. 10.

“Family Weekend is a much anticipated tradition at Walla Walla University,” said Claudia Santellano, WWU alumni and parent relations director, “From Friday afternoon ice-cream cones to Sabbath lunch and an old-fashioned talent show, this year’s Family Weekend was full of fun. On Sabbath, 800 guests enjoyed lunch at the largest ‘restaurant’ in town (our own gym), and more than 150 family portraits were taken. Fall colors were on gorgeous display for an afternoon stroll, and Saturday night’s student/faculty/staff talent show ensured a grand time was had by all!”

The annual weekend event provides parents and other family members with a taste of what current campus life is like. Events also included student missions vespers and a church service with performances by Department of Music student ensembles.

“The music was wonderful. There were so many students involved and we enjoyed a great sermon,” said Bridget Anderson, mother of Ronnie Anderson, junior music education major.

Life around campus was filled with a lot of excitement and anticipation as students introduced their parents to their friends, hall mates, and professors.

“The most important thing was seeing Danielle and how well she’s adjusted to campus life; classes, professors, dorm living, and making friends. I also enjoyed seeing campus routine. The attitude of staff and students, the quality of worship and chapel messages,” said Marleen Setniker, mother of Danielle Setniker, sophomore English major.

On Sabbath, Nov. 10, more than 180 WWU students and their family members gathered for Parent Sabbath at the School of Nursing Portland campus. WWU president John McVay spoke for church at the Sunnyside Adventist Church, which was followed by Sabbath lunch together. After lunch, 67 junior nursing students were welcomed to the nursing profession during a Nurses Dedication service.